Soyuz Capsule Docks at Space Station

Orbiting Complex Now Fully Staffed as Russian Spacecraft Brings 3 Astronauts

CAPE CANAVERAL, May 29 -- A Russian Soyuz capsule carrying three astronauts docked at the international space station Friday, giving the orbiting complex a full staff of six for the first time in its 10-year history.

For the first time, each of the major space station partners is represented on board. The combined crew, all men, includes two Russians, one American, one Japanese, one Canadian and one Belgian.

"It is a historic day. It's also a very happy day up here," said newly arrived astronaut Bob Thirsk of Canada.

Having the countries represented on board is "a great way to kick off a six-person crew," NASA's deputy space station program manager, Kirk Shireman, said on the eve of the linkup.

When shuttle Endeavour and its crew of seven arrive in a few weeks, a record 13 people will be at the space station, but that will be only temporary.

The Soyuz spacecraft blasted off from Kazakhstan on Wednesday and pulled in at the space station as the two vessels soared 217 miles above the China coast. There were hugs and handshakes all around when the hatches between the two craft swung open. The six astronauts gathered in the main living quarters for the many congratulations that streamed upward.

"Finally, we've lived to see this moment," Russian Mission Control radioed.

NASA expects science research to triple at the space station. Until now, astronauts have spent most of their time keeping systems running and fixing things, such as a machine that turns urine into drinking water and that took months to coax into operation. Astronauts took their first sips of the recycled water in orbit last week.

There should be a mental bonus as well with a bigger crew.

Psychologists have long said three is hardly the ideal crew size because of the potential for one person to feel left out.

"Think about when you're 7 years old and you've got three kids," said U.S. astronaut Timothy Kopra, who will fly up aboard Endeavour and move in.